''Rapture'' is the fourth and final studio album by French
metalcore
Metalcore is a broadly defined fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, originating in the 1990s United States and becoming popular in the 2000s. Metalcore typically has aggressive verses and melodic choruses, combined ...
Sumerian Records
Sumerian Records is an American record label based in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and London. The label was founded in 2006 by Ash Avildsen.Out of Line Music in October 2021, and their final studio album overall before their breakup in 2023.
Background and recording
On 18 September 2018, Betraying the Martyrs announced that they replaced lead guitarist Lucas D'Angelo with Steeves Hostin. At the same time, they are working on new material for the forthcoming album. On 5 March 2019, they shared a teaser of new song from the album through their social media accounts. On 26 June, they revealed the album itself, the album cover, the track list, and release date.
Critical reception
The album received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Jay H. Gorania from
Blabbermouth.net
''Blabbermouth.net'' is a website dedicated to metal and rock news, as well as album and music DVD reviews. It is run by the website's founder Borivoj Krgin. The first version of the website was launched in March 2001. In October 2001, the rec ...
gave the album 7 out of 10 and said: "''Rapture'' is, thus far, Betraying the Martyrs' crowning achievement. In spite of its questionable track sequencing and relatively lackluster start, the Frenchmen's improved technicality and more prominent black metal inspired symphonic flourishes successfully augment the act's bedrock of bruising breakdowns. In short, the ingredients are familiar and par for the course, but like any veteran chef would do, the tailoring of expected flavors is thoughtful and consequently memorable. Perhaps most importantly, ''Rapture''s diversity opens the door for a variety of approaches that will likely make sense their next go around." Kris Pugh of ''Distorted Sound'' scored the album 5 out of 10 and said: "Though Betraying the Martyrs tick several of the boxes on the checklist of metalcore, they're yet to produce a work of art that puts them as front runners in the genre. And ''Rapture'' does little for the band outside of chucking in a couple of decent breakdowns, and impressive guitar lines into their back catalogue. If you were wondering why Betraying the Martyrs most noteworthy moment in the spotlight by some distance was their cover of a wildly popular pop song – ''Rapture'' answers that question for you in abundance."
Joe Smith-Engelhardt of ''
Exclaim!
''Exclaim!'' is a Canadian music and entertainment publisher based in Toronto, which features coverage of new music across all genres with a special focus on Canadian and emerging artists. The monthly ''Exclaim!'' print magazine publishes seven ...
'' gave it 7 out of 10 and said: "While they aren't necessarily bringing anything new to the table, Betraying the Martyrs offer a fresh take on a tried-and-true formula with ''Rapture''. The record has plenty to offer for metalcore fans and helps set them on a path of longevity as they gain more confidence in their sound." ''New Transcendence'' gave the album a positive review and saying: "''Rapture'' is an album that'll have you achieving that new record on bench press, dead lift or that 5k you've been practicing for. The ideal album for riding into battle, or standing at your window watching the entire world as you know it, fall apart, and unravel into chaos. As long as you have Forty-one minutes to spare before you are plunged into darkness with it, give ''Rapture'' album a listen!"
Track listing
Adapted from
Apple Music
Apple Music is an audio and video streaming service developed by Apple Inc. Users can select music to stream to their device on-demand, or listen to existing playlists. The service also includes the sister internet radio stations Apple Musi ...
.
Personnel
Betraying the Martyrs
* Aaron Matts – lead vocals
* Steeves Hostin – lead guitar
* Baptiste Vigier – rhythm guitar
* Valentin Hauser – bass
* Boris le Gal – drums
* Victor Guillet – keyboards, clean vocals
Additional personnel
* Henrik Udd – production